The Unofficial Blogger of the Chicago Cubs in Canada

Cubs Call Up Almora and Hendricks Shines in Loss

Even in losing causes, the Chicago Cubs find ways to compete and keep the score close. This is what happened in last night’s 3-2 defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Kyle Hendricks was yanked after the fifth inning and striking out six batters. He still pitched well but Joe Maddon saw something.

“I didn’t want to take him out,” Maddon said. “I just saw a real low scoring game there and I wanted us to have an opportunity to score. Almora gave us a good at-bat. I was just trying to get a point or two on the board right there, and that’s the reason why I did it. Kyle could have pitched seven, eight, nine innings tonight. He was throwing great.”

I’ve always had the feeling that we haven’t seen Hendrick’s best stuff yet. Do you guys get that?

What every Cubs fan and of course, Albert Almora were waiting for was the Cubs highly touted pick to make his debut and last night the kid had his chance. Though he didn’t get a hit, the 22 year old was excited for the opportunity.

“It’s a dream come true,” Almora said. “Twenty-two years old, and I’ve been playing baseball since I was 4 years old. This is what every kid dreams about.”

Just like Field of Dreams.

So, even though the Cubs lost, it was a good loss to to take. Almora had his call up, Hendricks pitched well and the Cubs kept it close.

“Listen, I have nothing to complain about,” Maddon said. “This was a really good baseball game tonight. The people at the ballpark were entertained, and there was a lot of drama at the end. What can I say, man? It was a really good baseball game.”